So far in 2025 there have been 544 sightings of yellow-legged hornet (YLH), and 161 nests found. The latest update from the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s National Bee Unit (NBU) is included below:

• As of 21st November, the NBU has received further credible reports of YLH’s. This means that currently there has been a total of 544 sightings in 2025.
• Since the last update, two more nests have been discovered in Ewhurst, East Sussex and Swyre, Dorset. These nests have been destroyed and will be removed.
• As of 21st November, 161 confirmed nests have been found in 2025.
• The NBU continue to respond to credible sightings that are reported.  

On 31st October, the enhanced contingency response was scaled back, however, the NBU will continue to respond to credible sightings that are reported.  Going forward, formal updates will be shared by exception if a nest is found rather than on a regular weekly basis.  

More information and details of previous sightings can be found on the website of the National Bee Unit.   

We are grateful for your support in helping to raise awareness and encourage reporting of any further sightings. 

Any suspected sightings should ideally be reporting via the Asian Hornet Watch app or the online reporting form. Free alert posters and ID sheets are available on request to help with awareness raising. For further details on identification and reporting, please visit the yellow-legged hornet alert page.